My hubby found a screaming deal on a mini van with the cargo area instead of passenger seats in the back. He is going to turn it into my mini-hauler, literally.
All it needs is a permanent, fold up, ramp attached, and a few "safety" measures on the interior.
It all ready came with the rubber floor, and has a "safety" divider separating the driver area from the cargo area. I want to add ties and a padded type ceiling liner, and we will be ready to go any where!
The minis all loaded into it just fine, it looks like I could comfortably haul two for sure, probably even three if need be.
He is also going to design some thing that will let me load up and haul my cart on the roof, all by myself.

I know it might be strange to some people, but I am very excited about it. As it is now I have to depend on my husband to take me and the horses any place. I just will never be comfortable pulling our big horse trailer behind our full size pickup! (we also have riding horses)

This will allow me the freedom to load up (minis) and head out any time I want to, all by myself!
And it will get a lot better gas mileage too.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Has any body out there all ready done this? How has it worked for you? :think:

Reiterin

04-14-2010 07:37 PM

That sounds great. congrats.

CheyAut

04-15-2010 07:32 AM

I don't, but I know of a lot of people who do! I've wanted to myself, would be easier when just hauling a couple minis!

HowClever

04-15-2010 07:46 AM

Wow, that sounds awesome! I think photos are in order!

sparkm2002

04-16-2010 12:16 AM

when i bought my mini stud colt, i loaded him in the back of my durango and drove through the tim horton's drive thru to get coffee before heading home. it was a lot of fun and made a few heads turn.

SpiritedLittleCopperSpots

04-20-2010 11:07 PM

Thanks for all the positive comments!
I figured with as practical as it seemed, that others out there were all ready doing the same thing.

I can definitely get some photos posted, but it will be a bit yet.
Unfortunately, as excited as I am about it, my hubby is extremely busy with with a lot of things right now. So my mini van is on hold for awhile.....

I will post an update with photos as soon as I can though. :D

PaintsPwn

05-07-2010 10:22 PM

I'm using my jeep to haul the boys to a show tomorrow LOL

Cyaeris

05-07-2010 10:54 PM

I never have (we had a single float which did nicely for two minis) but a friend in the showring just put some straw down in the back of her mini-van and her boy jumped in and out. It was quite low to the ground, anyway.

She did have a removable ramp, but he preferred to jump!

SpiritedLittleCopperSpots

05-10-2010 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaintsPwn
(Post 627476)

I'm using my jeep to haul the boys to a show tomorrow LOL

Have you used your Jeep before to haul them?
Let us knowhow that goes! Would love to see a picture of that..... :wink:

leesalew

05-31-2010 11:54 PM

Mini Van works!

I have been using my '99 Ford Windstar to transport my visiting therapy mini, Sunshine, for over a year now. I got the whole setup idea from a friend who has been doing it for 8 years.

Set up: remove the middle seat, lay down a heavy-duty plastic tarp (paint tarps or shower curtains both work; the latter is pricier). I use duct tape to secure the tarp (about 4x6') up about 6-12" on all sides, including to the back of the driver's seat and the rear bench seat. I bought some 1" thick puzzle-piece exercise mats from a friend's karate school, taped two together permanently and cut corners to fit into the space exactly. So the mat goes down atop the plastic tarp. A few towels on hand can soak up any liquid that comes out. All tack and equipment is organized behind the rear bench seat, including a hanging harness bag. Finally, the cart goes on a bike rack on the rear of the minivan (shafts straight up, seat back just below the bumper, tires toward rear).

Ramp: At first, we used a ramp (see my pix at mustardseedminifarm.com) but after a couple brief training sessions, we taught Sunshine to jump in, and he has been doing it ever since and does a great job being careful. A lot easier to not have to mess with a ramp!

Pros: no trailer, you can do yourself (I am 5'1" and can do everything without help), inexpensive equipment, compact operation/easy to park and take anywhere, and fun to drive through McDonald's with a horse over your shoulder!

Cons: Poo happens! And the other stuff! I have least stress when I bring along a horse-knowledgeable helper who isn't afraid of the smells and knows the tell-tale signs that something's about to come out of the horse and can CATCH it in a bucket! We line our bucket with a bunch of plastic grocery bags, and tie them up when used to keep the smell contained while we drive. My friend who has more experience has been more successful potty training her mini, but I think that is easier said than done. Mine prefers to poo right away, and often throughout the trip. It is a lot of clean up unless I have a good helper along.

Truth: I am considering switching to a tiny trailer that could be pulled by a van or suv, since my carpool kids think my van is a bit too barnyard for their tastes and the cleanup would be easier.